174 
SEA OTTER. 
the Otter appeared much frightened (possibly having been touched) and 
swimming rapidly, without diving, to the opposite shore, disappeared in the 
rushes, and they did not see it again. 
In the accounts of this species given by various authors we find little 
respecting its habits, and it is much to be regretted that so remarkable 
an animal should be yet without a full “ biography.” 
Sir John Richardson, who gives an excellent description of its fur from 
one who was engaged in the trade, says, “ It seems to have more the man- 
ners of a seal than of the land. Otter. It frequents rocks washed by the 
sea, and brings forth on land, but resides mostly in the water, and is occa- 
sionally seen very remote from the shore.” 
Godman states that “its food is various, but principally cuttle-fish, 
lobsters, and other fish. The Sea Otter, like most other animals which 
are plentifully supplied with food, is entirely harmless and inoffensive in 
its manners, and might be charged with stupidity, according to a common 
mode of judging animals, as it neither offers to defend itself nor to injure 
those who attack it. But as it runs very swiftly and swims with equal 
celerity it frequently escapes, and after having gone some distance turns 
back to look at its pursuers. In doing this it holds a fore-paw over its 
eyes, much in the manner we see done by persons who in a strong sunshine^ 
are desirous to observe a distant object accurately. It has been inferred 
that the sight of this animal is imperfect ; its sense of smelling, however, 
is said to be very acute.” 
The latter part of the above paragraph at least, may be taken as a small 
specimen of the fabulous tales believed in olden times about animals of 
which little that was true had been learned. 
Dr. Godman relates farther that the female Sea Otter brings forth on 
land after a pregnancy of eight or nine months, and but one at a birth, and 
states that the extreme tenderness and attachment she displays for her 
young are much celebrated. According to his account the flesh is eaten 
by the hunters, but while it is represented by some as being tender, juicy, 
and flavoured like young lamb, by others it is declared to be hard, insipid, 
and tough as leather. We advise such of our readers as may wish to 
decide which of these statements is correct, and who may be so fortunate 
as to possess the means and leisure, to go to California and taste the 
animal — provided they can catch or kill one. 
We will conclude our very meagre account of the habits of the Sea Otter 
by quoting the following most sensible remarks from Sir John Richardson, 
given in a note in the Fauna Boreali Americana, p. 60 : “ Not having been 
on the coasts where the Sea Otter is produced, I can add nothing to its 
history from my own observation, and I have preferred taking the descrip- 
